UFC on Fox 22 ought to be a major pay-per-view event, especially with guys like Paige VanZant, Sage Northcutt, and Urijah Faber being in the card.
This is bound to be action-packed. From knockout artists, to submission experts, to resilient fighters, every expertise in the MMA is likely to be featured in the matchups. Check out our previews for each fight in the main card and see which fighters you could bet on!
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VanZant (7-2) is coming off a wowing KO win (via flying kick) over Bec Rawlings, so momentum is something she definitely has. She can be dangerous striker when she’s on. UFC has her landing three significant strikes per minute, along with a great 53-percent accuracy in her attacks. Her seven wins include four finishes (two KO/TKO and two submissions) and three unanimous decision wins.
Waterson (13-4) is more experienced than VanZant, while also boasting a more well-rounded style, although submission is obviously her forte. Eight of her 13 wins were credited to the strong ground game, with one of the most notable being the arm bar against Jessica Penne, a decorated fighter with a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Writer’s Prediction: VanZant wins via unanimous decision.
Northcutt (8-1) will be bringing flash and pizzazz. He’s a very fast and explosive striker that also has a good amount of athleticism. “Super Sage” can hit anywhere, both with his hands and his feet, but can also submit foes with ease. Seven of his eight Ws are finishes (four KO/TKOs and three submissions).
Gall (3-0) has all of his wins via rear-naked choke. It’s not something to be super hyped about, though, as it includes three opponents that have limited experience, one of which was former WWE wrestler CM Punk. His chin and body will be tested heavily by Northcutt. If he can gas him out and survive the onslaught, which is probably the smartest strategy he can do, and still able to execute his offense, he may earn the victory.
Faber (33-10) is likely entering his last hurrah in MMA. He’s coming off an ugly loss to Jimmie Rivera, where he simply couldn’t build any rhythm all throughout the fight. “The California Kid” ain’t a kid anymore, with the proof being greatly seen in his declining striking abilities. That said, his top-notch submission game is still there, and that’s his best chance in getting a win over Pickett (not that he can’t knock him out). Urijah is an expert in blocking takedown attempts, and he’s also dangerous when on the ground, as evidenced in his 19 submission wins.
Pickett (25-10) has a good list of similarities with Faber. Both are veteran, wrestler bantamweights that are on the decline. His last two losses were finishes (one TKO and one submission), and his chances aren’t looking good for Saturday, which is why he’s a huge underdog. Nevertheless, expect him to be scrappy and provide some fight. He’s sure to take it to the mat and have a long scramble, and it’ll be interesting how well he can fair in that area against Faber.
Jouban (14-4) is a brawler. Period. He has nine KO/TKOs under his belt, and with his relentlessness, no one can deny that he may get his 10th this weekend. Look for him to unload his vicious kicks and uppercuts right from the get go.
Perry (9-0) is very much like his opponent in terms of striking. The level of explosiveness and potential is just too far. The 25-year-old hasn’t allowed anyone to take him the distance, as all were finished by a KO or TKO. Considering Jouban’s aforementioned skills and Perry’s merciless fists, this matchup should easily be the pick to win “Fight of the Night.”
Writer’s Prediction: Perry should be able to showcase his great striking, but Jouban will take the W in a great brawl.
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